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Installing Upgrades

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX240 Systems User's Guide

  Computer Cover

  Expansion Cards

  Expansion-Card Cage (Small Desktop Computer Only)

  TAPI

  Memory

  Microprocessor

  Front Panel Inserts

  Internal Drives

  Hard Drives

  Floppy Drives

  CD/DVD Drives

  Battery

Computer Cover

CAUTION: Before you open the computer cover, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTE: On the small form-factor and small desktop computers, remove the stand before you open the computer cover. On the small mini- tower computer, place the computer on its side before you open the cover.

Opening the Computer Cover

  1. Turn off your computer and devices, and observe the caution for your personal safety and protection of your equipment described in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."

  2. Remove the padlock from the padlock ring, if present.

NOTICE: Do not open the cover if the computer is on the edge of a desk or table. Doing so may cause the computer to tip over and fall. Make sure that the computer is situated so that there is at least 12 inches of desk- or table-top for the cover to rest on.
  1. Press the two release buttons until the cover is free to swing up. On the small mini-tower chassis, press the top part of the buttons to release the cover.

NOTICE: Open the cover slowly to ensure that you do not damage any cables.
  1. Raise the back of the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

security cable slot

2

padlock ring

3

release buttons (one on each side)

Small Desktop Computer

1

security cable slot

2

padlock ring

3

release buttons (one on each side)

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

security cable slot

2

padlock ring

3

release buttons (one on each side)

Closing the Computer Cover

  1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the computer cover. Make sure cables are not routed over the drive cage—they will prevent the cover from closing properly.

  2. Check to see that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

  3. Close the cover by pivoting the cover down toward the back of the computer and into position. Make sure that the release buttons click into place.

  4. If you are using a padlock to secure your computer, reinstall the padlock.

Expansion Cards

Your computer provides expansion slots for the following cards:

All computers provide an expansion slot for one 32-bit accelerated graphics port (AGP) 4x card (low-profile in the small form-factor and small desktop computers) operating at 1.5 volts (V).

Expansion Card Types

1

AGP 4x card

2

low-profile 32-bit PCI card

3

32-bit PCI card

NOTE: To meet PC99 requirements, your Dell computer uses only PCI expansion slots. Industry- Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion cards are not supported.
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer or removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off.

Installing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components."
  1. If you are replacing an expansion card, remove the current driver for the expansion card from the operating system.

  2. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and wait 10 to 20 seconds.

  3. Open the computer cover.

  4. If you have a small desktop computer, remove the expansion-card cage.

  5. Press the lever on the expansion card retention arm and raise the retention arm.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

card-edge connector

2

expansion card

3

hinged lever

4

retention arm

5

expansion-card connector

Small Desktop Computer

1

lever

5

card-edge connector

2

retention arm

6

expansion-card connector

3

filler bracket

7

riser board

4

expansion card

8

expansion-card cage

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

expansion card

2

card-edge connector

3

expansion-card connector

4

retention arm

5

lever

  1. If you are installing a new expansion card, remove the filler bracket for an empty card-slot opening, and then continue with step 8.

NOTE: The AGP expansion slot only supports 1.5-V cards.
  1. If you are replacing an expansion card that is already installed in the computer, remove the expansion card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  1. Prepare the expansion card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any expansion cards. Verify that the standby power light on the system board is off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components."
  1. Place the expansion card on the connector and press down firmly. Make sure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

If the expansion card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the expansion-card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the expansion-card connector on the system board.

Expansion-Card Connection

1

bracket within slot

2

bracket caught outside of slot

3

fully seated card

4

not fully seated card

  1. Before lowering the retention arm, make sure of the following:

Press the arm into place, securing the expansion card(s) in the computer.

Retention Arm Closure

1

filler bracket

2

alignment guide

3

alignment bar

4

retention arm

  1. If you have a small desktop computer, replace the expansion-card cage.

  2. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

NOTICE: Do not route expansion card cables over or behind the expansion cards. Cables routed over the expansion cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
  1. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTE: After you open and close the cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next computer start-up:

ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

  1. Reset the chassis intrusion detector by changing Chassis Intrusion to Enabled or Enabled-Silent.

NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
  1. If you installed a sound card, perform the following steps:

    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Devices, and change the setting for Sound to Off.

  2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the I/O panel (see "I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor, Desktop, and Mini-Tower Computers").

NOTE: Problems may arise if two expansion cards are trying to use the same resources: memory, I/O addresses, and IRQs. To avoid this type of conflict, see "Interrupt Assignment Conflicts" and the documentation that came with the card for more information.
  1. If you installed an add-in network adapter, perform the following steps:

    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Devices and change the setting for Network Interface Card to Off.

    1. Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the I/O panel (see "I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor, Desktop, and Mini-Tower Computers").

Removing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components."
  1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and wait 10 to 20 seconds.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. In the small desktop computer, remove the expansion-card cage.

  4. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm (see the illustration for your computer in "Installing an Expansion Card").

  5. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

  6. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  1. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the expansion card(s) in the computer.

  2. If you have a small desktop computer, replace the expansion-card cage.

  3. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTE: After you open and close the cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next computer start-up:

ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

  1. Reset the chassis intrusion detector by changing Chassis Intrusion to Enabled or Enabled-Silent.

NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
  1. If you removed a sound card, perform the following steps:

    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Devices, and change the setting for Sound to On.

    1. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the I/O panel (see "I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor, Desktop, and Mini- Tower Computers").

  2. If you removed an add-in network adapter, perform the following steps:

    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Devices and change the setting for Network Interface Card to On.

    1. Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the I/O panel (see "I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor, Desktop, and Mini- Tower Computers").

Installing an AGP Graphics Card

NOTE: The small form- factor and small desktop computers support low- profile AGP cards.
  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. Remove the filler bracket by raising the hinged lever and sliding the bracket up.

On the small desktop computer, press the indented tab with your thumb at an angle toward the system board until you release the tab. Continue holding the lever and pull the lever up.

AGP Slot Filler Bracket Removal—Small Form-Factor Computer

1

hinged lever

AGP Slot Filler Bracket Removal—Small Desktop Computer

1

hinged lever

2

indented tab

AGP Slot Filler Bracket Removal—Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

hinged lever

  1. Press the AGP card clip lever toward PCI slot 1.

  2. Slide the AGP card into place.

AGP Card Installation

1

AGP card

2

system board

3

AGP card clip

4

AGP card clip tab

5

AGP card clip lever

6

AGP card notch

  1. Release the AGP card clip lever, ensuring that the tab on the AGP card clip lever fits into the notch on the front end of the AGP card.

  2. Secure the AGP card by lowering the hinged lever on the back panel.

  3. Close the computer cover.

Removing an AGP Card

  1. Raise the hinged lever on the back panel.

  2. On the AGP card clip, press the lever toward PCI slot 1.

  3. Pull the AGP card up and out of the AGP card clip.

Expansion-Card Cage (Small Desktop Computer Only)

Removing the Expansion-Card Cage

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. Check any cables connected to expansion cards through the back- panel openings. Disconnect any cables that do not reach the expansion-card cage once it is removed from the computer.

  3. Gently pull on the handle and lift the expansion-card cage up and away from the computer.

Expansion-Card Cage Removal

1

expansion-card cage

Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage

  1. Align the slots in the side of the expansion-card cage with the tabs on the side of the computer, and slide the expansion-card cage down into place.

Expansion-Card Cage Replacement

1

expansion-card cage

  1. Make sure that the riser board is fully seated in the connector on the system board.

  2. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 2 of the previous procedure.

TAPI

The telephony applications programming interface (TAPI) system-board connector uses a 4-pin cable to interface your internal TAPI-compliant expansion card with the audio system in your computer. To locate the TAPI system-board connector, see "System Board Components." Your computer supports TAPI-compliant cards using the standard TAPI connector (labeled TELE). For example, you can connect your modem to the TAPI connector and then use your audio speakers and microphone as a speakerphone. The microphone carries your voice into the computer and then through the TAPI system board connector to your modem card. The caller's voice enters through the modem card to the TAPI system board connector and then out to the speakers. You can also use this configuration to record and play sound files over the phone.

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the TAPI-compliant expansion card for more information on using TAPI devices and to verify the card works with your computer.

Installing a TAPI Device

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light see, "System Board Components."
  1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and wait 10 to 20 seconds.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Install the TAPI-compliant expansion card.

See the manufacturer's documentation for more information.

  1. Connect the 4-pin TAPI cable to the TAPI system-board connector.

To locate the TAPI connector on the system board, see "System Board Components."

  1. Connect the 4-pin TAPI cable to the TAPI expansion-card connector.

To locate the TAPI connector on the expansion card, see the manufacturer's documentation.

  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTE: If enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option causes the following message to be displayed at the next system start- up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.
  1. Install the appropriate TSP for the TAPI device.

See the manufacturer's documentation and your Windows documentation for more information.

Installing a TAPI Sound Card

You can install a TAPI-compliant sound card that has a standard TAPI connector. For example, you can connect your modem to the TAPI sound card connector and then use the audio capabilities as a speakerphone.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components."
  1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and wait 10 to 20 seconds.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Install the TAPI-compliant expansion card.

See the manufacturer's documentation for more information.

  1. Enter system setup, click Integrated Devices, and change the setting for Sound to Off.

  2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the I/O panel (see "I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor, Desktop, and Mini-Tower Computers").

  3. Connect the 4-pin TAPI cable to the TAPI sound-card connector.

To locate the TAPI connector on the sound card, see the manufacturer's documentation.

  1. Connect the 4-pin TAPI cable to the TAPI expansion-card connector.

To locate the TAPI connector on the expansion card, see the manufacturer's documentation.

  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  3. Install the appropriate TSP for the TAPI devices.

See the manufacturer's documentation and your Microsoft® Windows® documentation for more information.

Memory

You can increase memory up to 1 gigabyte (GB) by using synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs). The system board illustration shows the location of the DIMM sockets on the system board. (DIMMs may either be error checking and correction [ECC] or non-error checking and correction [non-ECC]. However, all DIMMs must be the same type of memory—either ECC or non-ECC.)

When you add memory, you may install DIMMs in either socket. For optimum operation, Dell recommends that you install a DIMM in socket A first (closest to the processor) before installing a DIMM in socket B.

NOTICE: Before you install new memory modules, download the most recent BIOS for your computer from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Installing DIMMs

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you upgrade memory, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. If necessary, remove any DIMMs that occupy sockets in which you plan to install the upgrade memory modules.

  3. Install the upgrade DIMMs.

    1. Press the securing clips at each end of the socket outward until they snap open.

    1. Align the slots on the bottom of the memory module with the ridges inside the socket.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the socket with equal force applied at each end of the module.
    1. Press the DIMM straight down into the socket until the securing clips snap into place at the ends of the DIMM.

DIMM Installation

1

socket

2

slot

3

securing clip

  1. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTE: After you open and close the cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next computer start-up:

ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

You need to reset the chassis intrusion detector.

The computer detects that the new memory does not match the existing configuration information and generates the following message:

The amount of system memory has changed.
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

  1. Press <F2> to enter system setup, and check the value for System Memory.

The computer should have already changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 7.

  1. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices from their electrical outlets. Open the computer cover, and check the installed DIMMs to make sure that they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.

  2. Reset the chassis intrusion detector by changing Chassis Intrusion to Enabled or Enabled-Silent.

NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
  1. When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit system setup.

  2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly.

Removing DIMMs

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see the precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the securing clips with equal force applied at each end of the socket.

To remove a DIMM, press the securing clips at each end of the socket outward simultaneously until the DIMM pops out slightly from the socket.

DIMM Removal

1

securing clips (2)

2

socket

Microprocessor

NOTE: Dell recommends that only a technically knowledgeable person perform the following procedure.
CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you upgrade the microprocessor, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
  1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer cover.

CAUTION: The microprocessor cooling fan/heat-sink assembly can get extremely hot. Be sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
  1. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.

  2. Disconnect the 12-volt power cable from the system board.

  3. On the small mini-tower computer, lift up the airflow shroud.

Airflow Shroud Adjustment—Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

airflow shroud

Removing the Heat Sink or Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly

NOTICE: Before you remove the heat sink, gently rock the heat sink and then slightly twist it as you lift it from the system board.

For both securing clips on a small mini-tower computer, press down on the metal securing clip latches to release the clips from the retention base, and then lift the clips out of the tabs on the retention base and away from the heat sink.

Heat-Sink Removal—Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

latches (2)

2

securing clips (2)

3

heat sink

4

retention base

5

ZIF socket

6

tabs (3)

On small form-factor and small desktop computers, the heat sink is attached to the blower. Remove the securing clips to remove the heat-sink/blower assembly.

NOTICE: Before you remove the heat sink, gently rock the heat sink and then slightly twist it as you lift it from the system board.

Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly Removal—Small Form-Factor and Small Desktop Computers

1

latches (2)

2

securing clips (2)

3

blower

4

screws (2)

5

heat sink

6

retention base

NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down with the thermal grease facing upward. Do not lay the heat sink down with the thermal grease touching the work surface.

  1. Lift the heat sink or heat-sink/blower assembly away from the microprocessor.

  2. On the small form-factor and small desktop computers, remove the two screws on the blower to remove it from the heat sink.

NOTICE: Do not discard the original heat sink and securing clips unless you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink, blower, and securing clips when installing your new microprocessor.
  1. Discard the original heat sink and securing clips.

NOTE: Do not discard the blower; reuse the blower. Your microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell includes only a replacement heat sink and two replacement securing clips.

Removing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the microprocessor from its socket. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor.

Your microprocessor socket is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket with a lever-type handle that secures the microprocessor in, or releases it from, the socket.

  1. Pull the release lever straight up until the microprocessor is released, and then remove the microprocessor from the socket.

  2. Leave the release lever extended so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Microprocessor Removal

1

release lever

2

microprocessor

3

ZIF socket

Installing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you unpack the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor.
  1. Unpack the new microprocessor.

If any of the pins on the microprocessor appear to be bent, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

  1. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor with the pin-1 corner of the socket.

NOTE: You must identify the pin-1 corner to correctly position the microprocessor.

Microprocessor Installation

1

pin-1 corners of microprocessor
and socket aligned

NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer when you turn on the computer.

  1. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position now.

  2. With the pin-1 corners of the microprocessor and socket aligned, align the pins on the microprocessor with the holes in the socket.

NOTICE: When you place the microprocessor in the socket, be sure that all of the pins go into the corresponding holes on all sides of the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.
  1. Set the microprocessor lightly in the socket and make sure all pins are headed into the correct holes. Because your computer uses a ZIF socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the pins if the microprocessor is misaligned). When the microprocessor is positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat it.

  2. When the microprocessor is fully seated in the socket, pivot the release lever back toward the socket until it snaps into place, securing the microprocessor.

Replacing the Heat Sink or Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: If you are installing a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the microprocessor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
NOTICE: If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original blower/heat-sink assembly and securing clips when replacing the microprocessor.
  1. Remove the film covering the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink.

  2. On the small form-factor and small desktop computers, reinstall the two screws that attach the blower to the heat sink.

  3. Lower the heat sink or blower/heat-sink assembly to the microprocessor so that the heat sink fits in the retention base.

  4. For each of the replacement metal clips, fit the end of the clip that does not have the latch over its tab on the retention base. Then, fit the middle of the clip over the middle tab on the retention base, and press down on the clip's latch to secure the clip to the retention base (see the illustration for your computer in "Removing the Heat Sink or Heat-Sink/Blower Assembly").

  5. On the small mini-tower computer, lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink.

  6. Plug the fan cable into its connector on the system board.

  7. Plug the 12-volt power cable into its connector on the system board.

  8. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

As the computer boots, it detects the presence of the new microprocessor and automatically changes the configuration information in system setup.

  1. Enter system setup and confirm that the Microprocessor option correctly identifies the installed microprocessor.

  2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly.

Front Panel Inserts

Removing Front Panel Inserts—Small Form-Factor and Small Desktop Computers

  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. Facing the front of the computer, use your fingers to remove the front panel cover.

Small Form-Factor Computer

Small Desktop Computer

  1. Press on the insert until it pops free of the front panel cover.

Removing Front Panel Inserts—Small Mini-Tower Computer

  1. Open the computer cover to a 45-degree angle and disconnect the CD/DVD drive data cable.

  2. Open the cover to a 90-degree angle and release the insert tabs from inside the computer.

Small Mini-Tower Computer

  1. Press on the insert until it pops free of the front panel cover.

Replacing Front Panel Inserts

To replace a front panel insert, follow the "Removing Front Panel Inserts" procedures in reverse.

Internal Drives

This computer may support the following internal drives:

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

CD/DVD drive

2

floppy drive

3

hard drive

Small Desktop Computer

1

CD/DVD drive

2

floppy drive

3

hard drive

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

CD/DVD drive(s)

2

floppy drive(s)

3

hard drive(s)

IDE Drive Addressing

All IDE devices require that you configure the cable select setting, which assigns master and slave status to devices according to their position on the interface cable. You usually configure a drive for cable select by setting a jumper or switch, depending on the drive. Refer to the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting. When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the master or boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the slave device (drive 1).

With the two IDE interface connectors on the system board, your computer supports up to two IDE devices. IDE hard drives should be connected to the IDE interface connector labeled "IDE1." (Always connect CD/DVD drives to the IDE interface connector labeled "IDE2.")

Connecting Drives

When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and an interface cable—to the back of the drive. Your drive's power input connector (to which you connect the DC power cable) resembles the following connector.

Power Cable Connector

1

power cable

2

power input connector

The drive's interface connector is a card-edge connector or a header connector, as shown in the following figure.

Drive Interface Connectors

1

header connector

2

colored stripe on the cable

3

interface cable

When you attach the interface cable to a drive, be sure to match the colored stripe on the cable to pin 1 of the drive's interface connector. For the location of pin 1 on the drive's interface connector, see the documentation that came with the drive.

When you disconnect an interface cable from the system board, be sure to press in on the locking tabs on the cable connector before you disconnect the cable. When you attach an interface cable to the system board, be sure that the locking tabs snap into place so that the cable is firmly attached to the connector on the system board.

Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the cable) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened "1" printed directly on the board or card.

NOTICE: When you connect an interface cable, do not reverse the interface cable (do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of the connector). Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or both.

Hard Drives

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you install a drive, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
  1. If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.

  2. If you are adding an additional hard drive to a small mini-tower computer, see "Adding a Second Hard Drive — Small Mini-Tower Computer."

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that sufficiently cushions it.
  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. On the small desktop computer, the hard drive may or may not have a plastic shroud cover. (Operating the computer without a hard-drive shroud does not affect its performance.) If your computer's hard drive does not have a shroud, proceed to the next step. If your computer's hard drive does have a shroud, remove it by pressing in on the indented tab at the top of the shroud and lifting the shroud away.

NOTE: Your computer's hard drive may or may not have a plastic shroud cover. Operating the computer without a hard- drive shroud does not affect its performance.

Hard-Drive Shroud Removal

Detaching Hard Drive Cables

  1. Disconnect the power cable and hard drive cable from the drive.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

power cable

2

hard drive cable

Small Desktop Computer

1

hard drive cable

2

power cable

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

hard drive cable

  1. On the small form-factor computer, if the computer has the combination data cable, disconnect the combination data cable from the floppy drive and interface (IDE2) connectors on the system board (see the small form-factor computer illustration in "Detaching Floppy Drive Cables").

Removing a Hard Drive

  1. For the small form-factor computer, press in on the tabs on each side of the drive, slide the drive toward the I/O panel, and remove the drive from the computer.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

notch in drive rail

2

tabs (2)

  1. For the small desktop and small mini-tower computers, press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out.

Small Desktop Computer

1

tabs (2)

2

hard drive

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

tabs (2)

2

hard drive

Installing a Hard Drive

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you install a drive, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage the drive. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that sufficiently cushions it.
  1. Unpack the drive, and prepare it for installation.

  2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

  3. If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket rails to the new drive by aligning the four screw holes of the drive and bracket and then inserting and tightening the screws that came with your upgrade kit.

Hard Drive Bracket Rails

1

drive

2

bracket rails (2)

3

screws (4)

  1. Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until you hear it securely click.

Reattaching Hard Drive Cables

  1. Connect the power cable and hard-drive data cable to the drive.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

power cable

2

IDE cable

3

IDE1 connector

Small Desktop Computer

1

power cable

2

IDE cable

3

IDE1 connector

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

IDE cable

3

IDE1 connector

  1. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.

NOTICE: To avoid possible damage to the computer, you must match the colored stripe on the hard-drive data cable with pin 1 on the hard drive (IDE1) connector and with the system board interface connector (IDE1).

To locate the IDE connector 1 (IDE1) on the system board, see "System Board Components."

  1. On the small desktop computer, if your computer has a hard-drive shroud, replace the shroud by inserting the two tabs on the bottom into the holes in the computer and snapping the top into place. (Operating the computer without a hard-drive shroud does not affect its performance.)

  2. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  3. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a bootable floppy into drive A.

  4. Turn on the computer.

  5. Enter system setup, and update the appropriate Primary Drive option (0 or 1).

  6. Exit system setup, and reboot the computer.

  7. Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.

See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.

  1. Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.

  2. If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard drive.

For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

Adding a Second Hard Drive — Small Mini-Tower Computer

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the chassis.
NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage the drive. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that sufficiently cushions it.
  1. Unpack the drive, and prepare it for installation.

  2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

  3. Open the computer cover.

  4. Remove the two green plastic drive rails inside the lower hard-drive bay.

These rails are not attached to the inside of the hard-drive bay with screws. To remove the rails, gently pull the rails up and out of the bay.

  1. Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

NOTICE: Do not install a drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you remove the green drive rails from inside the lower hard-drive bay.
  1. Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay.

    1. Disconnect the power cable and the data cable from the back of the first hard drive.

    1. Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.

    2. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click.

    3. Reconnect the power cable and the data cable to the back of the hard drive.

  2. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.

Second Hard Drive Installed

1

rail tabs (2)

2

second hard drive in upper bay

3

first hard drive in lower bay

4

hard drive cage

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.

Locate the extra connector on the drive cable that is attached to the first hard drive and attach the connector to the second hard drive.

Floppy Drives

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you install a drive, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To avoid possibly damaging the drive by electrostatic discharge (ESD), ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
  1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. Change any settings necessary for your configuration.

  1. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

You usually configure a drive for cable select by setting a jumper or switch, depending on the drive. For instructions on configuring the cable select setting, see the documentation that accompanied the drive.

  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. If you are replacing a drive, disconnect the power and interface cables from the back of the drive before you remove the drive.

Detaching Floppy Drive Cables

  1. Disconnect the cables from the floppy drive and system board.

  2. Disconnect the CD/DVD drive cable and the power cable from the CD/DVD drive.

  3. On the small form-factor computer, remove or raise the drive by pressing the green tabs on either side of the drive and lifting the drive up.

    1. Remove the interposer board from the floppy drive by pressing the tab and rotating the interposer board.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

floppy drive cable

2

tab

3

interposer board

4

system board floppy drive connector (DSKT)

    1. To release the cable from the connector, slide the lever until it is fully extended and then lift the cable away.

1

floppy drive cable

2

lever

Small Desktop Computer

1

power cable

2

floppy drive cable

3

floppy drive connector

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

floppy drive cable

3

floppy drive connector

Removing a Floppy Drive

  1. On the small form-factor computer, remove the floppy drive from its sled by pulling the sled tab out while pushing the drive up and then sliding the drive out of the sled.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

sled tab

2

sled

  1. On the small desktop and small mini-tower computers, press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive bay to disengage the drive from the computer.

  2. Slide the drive upward and remove it from the computer.

Small Desktop Computer

Small Mini-Tower Computer

Installing a Floppy Drive and Reattaching Cables

Small Form-Factor Computer

  1. Snap the replacement floppy drive into the sled and ensure that it is secure in the sled.

  2. Gently slide the floppy drive into the computer until the tabs securely click into position.

  3. Connect the interposer board to the floppy drive.

    1. Slide the drive cable into the connector.

    1. Close the lever so that the cable is secure in the connector.

    2. Line up the hole on the bottom of the interposer board with the notch on the connector, and snap the interposer board onto the drive.

  4. Attach the power cable to the interposer board on the floppy drive.

  5. Attach the CD/DVD drive cable and the power cable to the CD/DVD drive.

  6. Connect the floppy-drive cable to the DSKT connector on the system board.

Small Form-Factor Computer

1

connector notch

2

interposer board alignment hole

3

floppy-drive cable

4

lever

  1. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

  2. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  3. Enter system setup and update the appropriate Diskette Drive A option to reflect the size and capacity of your new floppy drive.

  4. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.

Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower Computers

  1. If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).

Floppy Drive Bracket Rails

1

drive

2

bracket rails (2)

3

screws (4)

  1. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

  2. Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive, and connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled "DSKT" on the system board.

Small Desktop Computer

1

power cable

2

floppy drive cable

3

floppy drive connector

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

floppy drive cable

3

floppy drive connector

  1. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

  2. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  3. Enter system setup and update the appropriate Diskette Drive A option to reflect the size and capacity of your new floppy drive.

  4. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.

CD/DVD Drives

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait 10 to 20 seconds before you open the computer cover. Also, before you install a drive, see the other precautions in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
NOTICE: To avoid possibly damaging the drive by electrostatic discharge (ESD), ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
  1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. Change any settings necessary for your configuration.

  1. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

You usually configure a drive for cable select by setting a jumper or switch, depending on the drive. For instructions on configuring the cable select setting, see the documentation that accompanied the drive.

  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. If you are replacing a drive, disconnect the power and interface cables from the back of the drive before you remove the drive.

Detaching CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive Cables

  1. On the small form-factor computer, remove the interposer board from the drive.

Interposer Board Removal

1

interposer board

  1. On the small desktop and small mini-tower computers, remove the data, power, and audio cables from the drive.

Small Desktop Computer

1

power cable

2

audio cable

3

CD/DVD drive cable

4

CD/DVD drive connector

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

audio cable

3

CD/DVD drive cable

4

CD/DVD drive connector

Removing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive

  1. Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive to disengage the drive from the computer.

  2. Slide the drive upward and remove it from the computer.

Small Form-Factor Computer

Small Desktop Computer

Small Mini-Tower Computer

Installing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD Drive and Reattaching Cables

  1. If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and tightening all four screws (two screws for each rail).

CD/DVD Drive Bracket Rails

1

drive

2

bracket rails (2)

3

screws (4)

  1. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

  2. On the small form-factor computer, connect the interposer board to the CD/DVD drive.

If your computer came with a CD drive, use the spare connector on the existing interface cable. Otherwise, use the IDE interface cable provided in the drive kit.

Ensure that the interposer board tab fits securely under the notch on the inside of the cover.

Interposer Board Connection—Small Form-Factor Computer

1

interposer board

  1. Connect the drive, power, and audio cables to the drive.

Small Desktop Computer

1

power cable

2

audio cable

3

CD/DVD drive cable

4

CD/DVD drive connector

Small Mini-Tower Computer

1

power cable

2

audio cable

3

CD/DVD drive cable

4

CD/DVD drive connector

  1. If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in an expansion card slot.

  2. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

  3. If the CD/DVD drive bay was previously empty, remove the front panel insert.

  4. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  5. Update your configuration information by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under Drives: Secondary to Auto.
    See Primary Drive n and Secondary Drive n for more information.

  6. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.

Battery

A 3.0-V CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery installed on the system board maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory.

The operating life of the battery can extend up to 10 years. The battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with a message such as:

Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program

or

Invalid configuration information -
please run SETUP program

or

Strike the F1 key to continue,
F2 to run the setup utility

To determine whether you need to replace the battery, reenter the time and date through system setup and exit the program properly to save the information. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for a few hours, and then reconnect the computer, turn it on, and enter system setup. If the date and time are not correct in system setup, replace your battery.

You can operate your computer without a battery; however, without a battery, the configuration information is erased if the computer is turned off or unplugged from the electrical outlet. In this case, you must enter system setup and reset the configuration options.

CAUTION: There is a danger of the new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Replacing the Battery

  1. If you have not already done so, make a copy of your configuration information in system setup.

If the settings are lost while you are replacing the battery, see your written or printed copy of the configuration information to restore the correct settings.

CAUTION: Before you open the computer cover, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
  1. Open the computer cover.

NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Make certain that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.
  1. Remove the battery by prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object, such as a plastic screwdriver.

See the system board figure for the location of the battery.

  1. Install the new battery.

    1. Orient the battery with the side labeled "+" facing up.

    1. Insert the battery into the socket, and snap it into place.

Computer Battery

1

battery

2

battery socket

  1. Close the computer cover, reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  2. Enter system setup, and confirm that the battery is operating properly.

    1. Enter the correct time and date through system setup's System Time and System Date options.

    1. Use the copy of the configuration information that you made in step 1 to restore the correct settings for other system setup options.

    2. Exit system setup.

  3. Turn off and unplug your computer, and leave it unplugged for at least 10 minutes.

  4. After 10 minutes, plug in the computer, turn it on, and enter system setup. If the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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